Tuesday, December 6, 2011

I have been reading the most amazing book. It's titled "No Longer a Slumdog" and it's by K.P. Yohannan. The title comes from a term used to describe those in the slums of the lowest caste in India. It has been so encouraging and challenging to me.

If you know me, you will know that I want to be a missionary and do exactly what this book describes. I want to help people. I want to do as Jesus did and "touch the untouchable". I want His love to shine through me onto others.

As I was reading this book, I just started weeping, it's that powerful. In fact, I'm crying again I as I write this post. "No Longer a Slumdog" is filled with stories of children whose lives have been drastically changed because of the gospel. It tells of these centers in India they created, called Bridge of Hope. These centers provide education and provisions for the poorest of poor.

One of the things that struck me most is their complete poverty. Compared to most in the U.S. I have never had much, or so I thought. My family has always had extreme money problems. But as I read about these children, how most have no clothes only rags. I was struck by how much I truly have. How many clothes are in my closet? How much food do I have available to me ALL the time? While children in India barely eat one meal a day. I weep because I wish they did not have to go through such difficult circumstances. I wish America would not be so greedy but generous. If we could just give $5, $10 a month it would make such a huge difference. And what is $5? A meal at McDonalds? A piece of clothing we don't need?

Anyways, this weekend I was at ABWE headquarters for a weekend Student Missions Forum. It was such an amazing experience. My eyes were truly opened. I wish I could just leave today to go the mission field! Yet, I am already in my mission field. Every born again Christian is, whether we like it or not. Jesus gave everyone the call to spread the gospel and His love.

Another thing we focused on at the Forum was the fact that nothing is wasted with God. No experience, gift, or prayer is wasted by Him, nothing is an accident. That really stuck with me. Life has been hard at times and I have wondered why in the world God allowed things to come into my life. It is so reassuring to know that God will use everything if I let Him.